Notice of SNAPS AGM: Saturday, 29th November 2025
We will be holding our Annual General Meeting 2025 on Saturday, 29th November at 10.00am at Broomfield SILC.
Children Shine Bright at the SNAPS Super Stars Awards
SNAPS families, staff, and supporters came together this week to celebrate the incredible achievements of children with additional needs at the 2025 SNAPS Super Stars Awards!
Our Super Stars Awards shine a light on the bravery, determination, and positivity shown by SNAPS children and their siblings every day.
Held at Co-op Academy Brierley, the event brought families together for a joyful morning of games, entertainment, and feel-good moments, in honour of the children and siblings who inspire those around them.
Children were nominated for a variety of reasons. Just a few of the messages shared included:
“Anyone that meets you always smiles, you really are a superstar and not just because you shine bright, but because you make others shine as well!”
“For being so brave trying new things. Always trying your best and always being kind and wanting to make other people happy!”
“Being brave, with an optimistic attitude whilst attempting to make the big leap from Year 1 to Year 2 class at school.”
Credit: Jenny D Cooper Photography
Each child nominated for a Super Stars Award received a certificate and a special keepsake. The awards also recognised siblings, parents, staff, and friends who have gone above and beyond to support others in the SNAPS community.
Fiona Lassey, Mum to Harrison (10) and his younger brother Konner (three) has been coming to SNAPS since Harrison was just 18 months old. She says:
“I nominated Harrison for never giving up, even when things have been tough – his courage amazes me every day. I also nominated his younger brother, Konner, for always looking out for Harrison and conquering everything with a smile.
“It means so much to be able to recognise them both. The Super Stars Awards were a truly lovely way to celebrate our children and come together with other families who understand. Seeing everyone’s stories shared and celebrated reminded me just how special the SNAPS community is.”
Lucy Owen, Chief Executive of SNAPS, said: “Every week at SNAPS, we see children achieving things that once felt impossible – whether it’s taking their first steps, building confidence, or simply having fun with friends who understand them. The Super Stars Awards are our way of celebrating those moments and recognising just how incredible these children are.
“It’s also a chance to remind families that their journeys matter, and that their children’s achievements – big or small – deserve to be seen and celebrated. The atmosphere at this year’s event was full of pride, joy and community, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.”
The event was free to attend and open to all SNAPS families. It was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors Manning Stainton and Irwin Mitchell.
Mark Manning, Managing Director of Manning Stainton, says: “We’re very proud to sponsor this year’s awards and celebrate the incredible work that SNAPS does for children with additional needs and their families. Their services – from therapies, to building a supportive community – truly change lives and give every child the chance to thrive.”
The SNAPS Winter Raffle is here!
Get ready to win some amazing prizes while supporting a great cause!
Our Winter Raffle 2025 is now live, and every ticket sold helps SNAPS continue to be there for children with additional needs and their families.
Tickets are just £2 and can be bought online: https://snapsyorkshire.enthuse.com/winterraffle2025
Prizes include:
- Cloud9 Airshot (hairdryer)
- Cloud9 Wide Iron (straighteners)
- Black + Decker Kitchen Wand
- 1-night stay at York Marriott Hotel with breakfast
- Soft play and 4D Golf entries at Xscape
- 4 tickets to Cannon Hall Farm
- £50 Style Attic voucher
- £50 voucher for Chaophraya Thai Dining (thanks to Irwin Mitchell for donating)
- Farmer Copleys voucher
Raffle closes: 15th December at 11:59pm
Winners drawn: 16th December – we’ll contact winners directly!
You must be 18 or over and live in Great Britain to enter. To access the full terms and conditions of the raffle, please click here.
SNAPS encourages responsible gambling. If you feel you have a problem with gambling, support is available from BeGambleAware.
For any queries, please contact: fundraising@snapsyorkshire.org
Our new site at Co-op Academy Brierley makes headlines!
We were thrilled to see our new site at Co-op Academy Brierley featured in the Yorkshire Evening Post!
Their photo gallery gives a lovely first look at our site and the families, trustees, staff, local councillors and partner organisations who joined us to celebrate the launch.
Take a look at the full photo gallery at The Yorkshire Evening Post.
You can also read more about our new site and the launch event over on our News page.
Altra Yorkshire Marathon: 18th October, 2026
- Sunday, 18th October 2026
- 9.30am
- University of York
- Registration fee: £30
- Minimum fundraising target: £500
- Age: 18+ years old
- Register here
Fancy taking on a 26.2-mile challenge in the beautiful city of York? The Altra Yorkshire Marathon’s scenic route and incredible support make it one of the UK’s standout running events. Be part of this amazing festival of running and help change lives along the way.
When you run for SNAPS, every mile you complete helps provide vital therapies and support for children with additional needs and their families. SNAPS receives no government funding, so your fundraising truly makes a difference.
With an electric atmosphere and crowds cheering your name, you’ll experience the thrill of a flat, fast course that’s perfect for both first-time marathoners and seasoned runners chasing a PB.
This is a must-have in any runner’s calendar. Sign up today, fundraise for SNAPS, and make every mile matter!
SNAPS Super Stars Awards: October 2026
The SNAPS Super Stars Awards is annual party to celebrate all the amazing things our children, families and supporters can do.
We encourage parents and carers to nominate their children and tell us about a special achievement that we can celebrate on the day. All children receive a certificate and a treat on the day.
Watch this space for more details of our next Super Stars Awards, which will be held in the October half term!
You can read about 2025’s awards here.
*Image credit: Jenny D Cooper Photography
Thank you and farewell to Debbie
After eight years of dedicated service, we are saying a heartfelt thank you to Debbie Hingerton as she steps down from her role as parent trustee.
Debbie first connected with SNAPS when she started coming to sessions with her son Lewis, when he was just 10 months old (he’s now 16!) Over the years she became an important member of our community and then a valued member of our Board, supporting SNAPS’ growth and being a vital part of our services at our sites whenever she could.
She has been part of so many important moments in SNAPS’ history from when she delivered a deputation speech about SNAPS to a full Leeds City Council meeting which resulted in a standing ovation, to being a constant welcoming presence at site, especially for new families as they started their SNAPS journey.
We were delighted to present Debbie with flowers at our recent launch event at Co-op Academy Brierley as a small token of our thanks. We’re incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed – we will miss your contribution to the leadership team very much Debbie but know that we will stay in touch and that you’ll always be part of the SNAPS’ family.
You can read more about Debbie and her family’s journey with SNAPS on our family stories page.
We’ve Expanded! Our New Site Launches at Co-op Academy Brierley
We’re thrilled to share that we’ve officially opened our third SNAPS site at Co-op Academy Brierley, helping us reach even more children with additional needs and their families.
The launch event took place on Saturday, 27th September and was a truly special day. We were joined by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Barry Anderson, along with SNAPS families, trustees, staff, local councillors, and partner organisations to celebrate this exciting milestone.
SNAPS was started over 20 years ago as a group of parents who wanted more for our children. Today, we support over 100 families every week with inclusive activities such as hydrotherapy, rebound therapy, dance, football, music, family support, and wellbeing sessions.
Until now, we’ve been running services from Penny Field School in North Leeds and Broomfield SILC in South Leeds. Our new site at Co-op Academy Brierley, based on Cross Green Lane, allows us to offer even more – including:
- Private family sensory room sessions
- Rebound therapy
- Dance and musical theatre
- Archery
- Cookery club
We’re so proud of this next step in our journey and can’t wait to welcome more families to SNAPS at Brierley!
A message from our Chief Executive
“Opening a third site has been a long-held ambition for SNAPS. Demand for our services continues to grow rapidly – every week, we receive new referrals from families who are often overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn.
“SNAPS offers them a safe space, a community, and the professional support they deserve. It’s a place where children can thrive, and where parents and carers can find hope, support, and friendship.
“Brierley is a wonderful space, and we’re thrilled to be working with the venue to bring our services to even more families who need us.”
“This expansion reflects our incredible journey – from a £39,000 annual turnover ten years ago to nearly half a million pounds today. It’s thanks to the generosity of the local community, businesses, and foundations that we are able to sustain and grow our vital services.”
What our families say
"I’m so happy about the new site - it means that more children can be reached. We are especially looking forward to exploring the sensory room this term - we can’t wait to see it!
SNAPS is a place to never feel alone or lonely. It’s somewhere we all belong - not just the children, but us parents too, facing the challenges and uncertainty of raising someone with disabilities. No one understands like the other parents and the SNAPS team.”
- Simona
SNAPS parent
"It will be great to meet new people, try new things and to know that more families are going to be able to experience what we have been so fortunate to have. SEND families really deserve this support and i'm so glad that SNAPS will be able to provide more. We are very proud to be a SNAPS family! "
Lora
SNAPS parent and trustee
Nominate Your Super Stars Today!
The SNAPS Superstar Awards are back!
These awards are a chance to celebrate the bravery, determination, and positivity shown by SNAPS children and their siblings every day!
You can nominate children for anything that makes you proud – from trying their best at a favourite activity, to being a kind and caring sibling, or simply showing courage in their own unique way. Each child will receive a special certificate and keepsake.
We’re also celebrating the everyday heroes in our lives – the friends, family members, carers, co-workers, and teachers who support us through life’s ups and downs. You can nominate someone for absolutely anything that makes them your super star. Each nominee will receive a personalised email with your message, letting them know how much they mean to you.
We’ll be celebrating with a special SNAPS Super Stars Awards event at Co-op Academy Brierley on Thursday, 30th October. This a free, fun-filled morning is for all SNAPS families, and will feature games, entertainment, and plenty of feel-good moments.
Nominate your Super Stars here:
Lyke Wake Walk: 21st to 22nd August, 2026
Event details
- Friday 21st to Saturday 22nd August, 2026
- Osmotherley, North Yorkshire
- Registration fee: £50
- Minimum fundraising target: £250
- Register for a place
Embark on the legendary Lyke Wake Walk
This is an epic 40-mile hike, starting at 10pm. Guided by moonlight and headtorches, you’ll trek through rugged moorland and steep hills from Osmotherley to Ravenscar, arriving Saturday afternoon.
This challenging journey is more than a hike – it’s a test of endurance and a celebration of tradition!
Join the Adventure
- Route: A night-and-day trek from Osmotherley to Ravenscar, across forest trails, moorland, and steep hills.
- Challenge: Can you finish in under 18 hours?
- Guidance: Choose expert-led groups or self-navigation with detailed directions and safety tracking.
Experience the Tradition
- The Candle: Carry a candle to honour the courage of past walkers.
- The Legend: Face the Grim Reaper at the finish and seal your fate.
- The Night: Trek by moonlight, with only your headtorch and candle to guide you.
Discover the Beauty
- Wildlife: Spot native wildlife, like grouse and hen harriers, amidst blooming heather.
- The Finish: End at the Lyke Wake Stone with breathtaking views from Ravenscar
Join this unforgettable journey and be part of a time-honoured tradition. Register now to secure your place!